Sign In
or Create a new account
How can we make our community healthier?
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
There is a direct link between urban form and health. Healthy communities feature built forms that allow housing and jobs to be located closer together, that encourage more active lifestyles (walking, cycling) and that are inclusive for all. The North Shore is already one of the healthiest regions in Canada. What can the City do to continue to improve the health of its residents?
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
Relates to website: http://www.cnv.org/CityShaping/papers/Discussion%20Brief%20-%20Healthy%20Neighbourhoods.pdf
Comment 1 17 Feb 2012, 3:21 PM
Improve sidewalks and bike lanes around Marine Drive! I would LOVE for Marine Drive to be more bike and walking friendly so that I can combine excercise with running errands.
Comment 2 17 Feb 2012, 5:40 PM
Provide more opportunities to grow your own food. I think this should become part of the curriculum at schools so it shows kids where food comes from, gives them a chance to connect with nature, and teaches them the importance of eating healthy.
Comment 2.1 19 Feb 2012, 3:30 PM
I love the idea of growing my own food - living in an apartment doesn't make this easy though - would be great to see community gardening plots or something similar in central lonsdale.
Comment 3 19 Feb 2012, 3:36 PM
Encourage kids/youth to be active and healthy - great to see the skatepark by centennial theatre - maybe something kid/youth friendly in lower lonsdale too near bottom of Lonsdale. Spirit trail will be great when it connects through the area too.
Comment 4 22 Feb 2012, 9:39 PM
having events in public spaces is a great way to build communities and social connections. it's even better when these events are located near lonsdale quay or the North Van Library square - an area that is pedestrian only and really encourages people to walk. a great example of successful public squares is in europe and asia, where people take time to enjoy the scenery and the outdoors.
Comment 5 23 Feb 2012, 10:40 AM
As the city gets more dense, we need to make sure the space we do have is very well used. Parks for only one purpose are expensive. Tennis courts could also be basketball courts, road hockey rinks, and maybe even flooded in the winter for an outdoor rink. We need to think about how we can use parks for the active lifestyles talked about - 12 months a year.
Also, kids need to be active, and need to be busy. What do the kids of North van think we need more of in our parks? Lets keep them active and happy.
Comment 6 29 Feb 2012, 11:53 PM
I am pleased to see the expansion of cycling paths throughout the city and in fact purchased a high quality cycle for this purpose last year to commute to work vs paying $1.40+ / ltr for my suv.. The Spirit Trail both in the CNV and DNV is getting great use and a worthwhile investment in helping residents live an active lifestyle. Let's work with the Squamish Nation to figure out how to connect that all important link through their lands to Harbouside, we should make this a priority.
Comment 7 14 Mar 2012, 1:18 PM
I agree with everyone's comments. Lets continue to improve our park and trail systems. New bike lanes are great. Increase resources for kids, families and seniors. Already doing a good job on this, lets keep it up!
Comment 8 24 Mar 2012, 8:41 AM
Put in sidewalks so we can walk. I live near Ridgeway school and there are several blocks between 13th and the school withu no sidewalks- it is challenging and unsafe for people (especially kids) to walk/ride bikes in the neighborhood.
Comment 9 25 Apr 2012, 7:27 PM
Forget the bikes, this is not Amsterdam. We live in a wet, cold and hilly environment. I have a bike and will ride it on a sunny day. I don't mind if you paint a line down the street but, vehicles are the top priority for moving the most people and goods. You want healthy people, open more community gyms and make them free.
